Abbé Prévost · aftercurtain

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Manon

Original novel · Opera · 1884

On her way to a convent, Manon meets the Chevalier des Grieux and elopes with him to Paris. After his father has des Grieux abducted, Manon leaves with the wealthy de Brétigny. Later she learns des Grieux has become an abbé and persuades him to return to her. They reunite and gamble together, but Guillot accuses des Grieux of cheating; he is arrested, while Manon is condemned to deportation. Des Grieux is released and tries to rescue her, but she is too ill to escape. In his arms, Manon recalls their past happiness and dies.

Manon Lescaut

Original novel · Opera · 1856

Auber’s opera reworks Prévost’s story of Manon Lescaut, Des Grieux, and Manon’s wealthy suitors. The adaptation introduces the Marquis d’Hérigny as a figure representing several suitors from the novel and changes Lescaut from her brother to her cousin. Manon dies near the end of the opera.

Manon Lescaut

Original novel · Opera · 1893

In Amiens, student des Grieux falls in love with Manon Lescaut, who is meant to enter a convent. He helps her escape with him to Paris, where they live in poverty. Manon later becomes the mistress of Geronte, a wealthy treasurer, but remains unhappy and reunites with des Grieux. When they try to flee, Geronte has her arrested and deported to Louisiana. Des Grieux follows her overseas. Crossing a desert after fleeing New Orleans, Manon grows exhausted and dies in his arms.

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